MOSCOW, April 20 (Xinhua) -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi discussed U.S. ceasefire violations and the situation around the Strait of Hormuz in a phone call on Monday, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
Araghchi outlined Iran's position on ceasefire violations by the United States, including a naval blockade of the strait and the seizure of an Iranian container ship, the ministry said in a statement.
The Iranian side also reaffirmed its readiness to ensure unimpeded passage of Russian vessels and cargo through the Strait of Hormuz, it added.
Russia reiterated the need to maintain the ceasefire within the framework initially agreed upon and announced by Pakistani mediators, and emphasized the importance of continued diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation.
Moscow also reaffirmed its readiness to help facilitate mutually acceptable agreements between Iran and Arab states of the Persian Gulf, the statement said. ■
